How Dual Diagnosis Helps Addiction Therapy

Mental health issues are one of the main causes of addiction. Similarly, many people who struggle with substance use disorder (an addiction to drugs or alcohol) relapse because of mental issues. It’s also quite common for individuals to turn to drugs or alcohol when they suffer from a mental health issue like anxiety or depression to find relief. Unfortunately, this only makes the underlying mental health condition worse while increasing the risk of developing a dependency or addiction. When getting help for addiction, individuals need to find a facility specializing in dual diagnosis therapy, the most effective means to treat both conditions.

Without the proper attention, mental health issues will persist and worsen, making a recovery and sober living much more difficult, if not impossible. At Beaches Recovery, our team of mental health experts and addiction treatment professionals can use dual diagnosis treatment to give individuals the greatest chances of success.

How Mental Illness Leads to Addiction

There are several mental health issues that begin to present symptoms in people when they are between the ages of about 14 and 24 years old. But mental health issues like mood disorders such as anxiety or depression can strike anyone of any age at any time. Other disorders like PTSD can develop at any time in a person’s life based on a traumatic experience. One of the issues contributing to negative mental health is that most schools around the country don’t teach children about mental health. Therefore, when poor mental health symptoms arise in a young person, they aren’t equipped to understand what they are going through nor how to find help. The most common forms of mental illness include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADD or ADHD
• Bipolar disorder

Rather than seeking professional help for the symptoms they are experiencing, they may turn to drugs or alcohol to relieve their discomfort. This is called self-medicating. For example, anxiety is a disorder that makes a person feel high amounts of stress and fear. Opiates, benzodiazepines, or alcohol may calm an indiviudal down. Thus, a person begins to use these substances regularly. However, self-medicating only masks the underlying mental health issue. Rather than treat the issue, self-medicating with drugs or alcohol allows the condition to fester and worsen. This can start a vicious cycle where individuals continue to use substances but only see their mental health worsen. Repeated use greatly increases the risk of developing a substance use disorder or addiction.

Why is Dual Diagnosis Therapy Important?

Drugs and alcohol abuse are only a symptom of a person’s problem, so treatment helps a person get to the causes and conditions. If a person was drinking or using drugs to calm their mind, addiction treatment professionals need to figure out what’s causing the anxiety. Without treating the root of the problem, the problem will inevitably return. The primary reason for relapse is when a person has an untreated or undiagnosed mental health issue. Even if they complete an addiction treatment program, if they don’t have their underlying mental health issues deal with, then they will turn back to self-medicating.

Treating a Dual Diagnosis Properly

Addiction is a mental illness in and of itself, which is separate from psychological dependence and disorder. This means that those who have an addiction must treat mental illness in a specific way. Many medications for mental illness, like Xanax and Adderall, are addictive, so one must find alternative methods. With dual diagnosis treatment, a person finds non-addictive ways to treat his or her disorder.

Many holistic methods reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Through mindfulness practices, meditation, yoga, and other therapy forms, a person can live a better life. Part of this type of treatment includes cognitive-behavioral therapy, which retrains the mind. The person will begin to replace his or her old habits of drinking or using new healthy habits.

Discover How Beach Recovery Can Provide the Support Necessary to Heal

Beaches Recovery is here to help you if you’ve been struggling with a mental illness as well as an addiction. Through our dual diagnosis program, you’ll find the source of your drinking or use and clearly address it. You’ll learn healthy ways to overcome:

• Acute stress disorder
• Drunkorexia treatment
• Social anxiety disorder

If you’re ready to begin a new life, we’re ready to help. Reach out to us today at 866.605.0532, or contact us online.